Statement by IMO Secretary-General on World Oceans Day 2025

(8 June 2025)

In a video message, Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said:

"Whether you are a seafarer at sea or a visitor to the ocean shore, most of us are familiar with the ocean's vastness, its ecosystems, and the resources it offers.

The ocean sustains life on Earth and provides global blueways for the ships, which transport 80% of world trade.

We must never lose sight of the ocean's wonder.

Here at the International Maritime Organization, Member States have been leading the charge for seven decades to ensure the shipping activities minimise and eliminate pollution which can harm the ocean.

We all have a responsibility to safeguard our ocean: governments, industries and civil society.

This is our ocean, our obligation and our opportunity.

This World Ocean Day, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to intensify our work through the power of multilateral action.

The ocean and the planet depend on it."

***

Watch the video below